The Gift of Solace

My preoccupation with this place has become quite dialectic.
Snow, snow, snow... winter seems so long especially when a major snowstorm drops another foot of snow in the end of February. This makes me dream of longer, warmer days.... which makes me think of this place.

Then, I feel guilty for looking forward to going there because of a recent tragedy... it troubles my thoughts ... my heart goes out to those involved.

BUT, this bridge is a gateway to one of my favorite spots in the world... a place characterized by: the soothing sounds of the babbling creek, the welcoming splashes of colorful wildflowers, and the beckoning call of a rugged trail of soil, roots, and rocks.... this place of solace... somewhere to go to feel closer to God.

So, I reason that God knows the pain and struggles that every person endures.... He understands when no one else can because He loves us dearly... so much that He gave His one and only Son.

The point I make is that God is kind and loving. He knows and understands the struggles we face. He allows people and situations in our lives so that we can learn. So just like Paul encouraged the Galatians, I will pray that God may enable me to fulfill every good deed prompted by faith.

And... from now on, whenever I go to my favorite place, I will feel encouraged... I will say a prayer for that family and for any others that I know who need encouragement as well.

On the Edge

^{From the edge, I take in the majestic warmth of color, shapes, textures, and sounds} 

                                                       ^{and I realize that God has brought me here to spread my wings}

                                                                                                  ^and 

                      ^FLY          

                                                                                     

  Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
 Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
 but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint. 

Monday Madness or Meditation?

Another Monday of madness! But, instead of letting it stress me out and bring me down, I choose to meditate on the positive things in my life.... like the enjoyable things I did over the weekend.

This peaceful, serene waterfall is a short hike from home .... it's a huge blessing it to be able to "getaway" briefly from the stress of life.
Moments like these remind me that it is my choice to think good thoughts and not let the bad things get to me.

It must be what the disciple Paul meant when he encouraged the church members in Philippi to focus on good and positive things.